WA Football

EAST Perth midfielder Pat Travers is having another strong season so far but knows that it's going to take a total team effort from the 22 players on the field for the Royals to get their 2011 campaign up and running starting this Saturday against Swan Districts.

The Royals' season began so promisingly with a terrific win over the reigning premiers Swan Districts in Round 1 and despite a Foxtel Cup win over North Ballarat, losses since to South Fremantle, Claremont, West Perth, Subiaco and East Fremantle has seen them fall to a 1-5 record.

That sets up a massive clash with Swans this Saturday at Medibank Stadium, but looking back on last week's loss to East Fremantle where East Perth led early by 36 points and still by 26 late in the third quarter, Travers just felt there wasn’t enough of his teammates pulling his weight.

He knows that's not a recognised East Perth trait or what the club prides itself on, so he's hopeful it turns around as early as this Saturday and doesn’t reappear again.

"We were right in it even up until three quarter-time and then we just lacked concentration and their experience helped them come over the top of us. Our concentration was the thing that dropped off and we just sort of laid down, which is not what the East Perth spirit is about and it's something we shouldn’t do," Travers said.

"We had a younger side in, but it's still no excuse. A first-game player such as Steven Payne or a former AFL player such as Kayne Pettifer, everyone is equal on the field and I think what we have to do is band together. We're all equals out there and we all have to step up on the ground and lead."

Travers couldn’t hide his disappointment following the loss to East Fremantle even though the Royals were without key players Michael Swan, Adam Prior, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Craig Glancy, Luke Sampey and Danny Chartres, while Zac Clarke wasn’t made available by Fremantle.

Veterans Zach Beeck and Brendan Hancock were also put back to the reserves, but Travers feels the players that were out didn’t make the difference, the ones on the field just didn’t play to their potential.

"It's very disappointing. We were primed for a big game and everyone might have written us off before the game because they had such a star-studded team, but we didn’t let that bother us. It's disappointing that we couldn’t get the win," he said.

"Not having those guys doesn’t help, but Shep (Hamish Shepheard) did a fantastic job in the ruck, Jake Lalich came in and played really well so there were some good signs. If one player's out all it does is create an opportunity for someone else."

Travers has become a crucial part of the East Perth midfield ever since arriving from Peel ahead of the 2006 season. He had another strong season in 2010 averaging 24 touches in 11 games and again this year has been in outstanding form, as has Brendan Lee who he loves playing alongside.

"I've been OK and am fairly happy, but I know there's still a lot of areas I've got to improve in. I know that and 'Boobie' has spoken to me about that. I just have to make sure I keep getting better, stay disciplined and keep my head down and bum up," he said.

"I love it. His hands are so good and he's so clean. In my opinion I reckon he's the best midfielder in the competition because he's so creative with his friends. We have a good relationship in there myself and Binga, and we work well together."

As for Saturday's game, Travers got the better of his duel with returning West Coast midfielder Chris Masten.

Travers picked up 25 touches and kicked a goal, while Masten had just 21 disposals but the 26-year-old is just happy to do whatever job he's asked by Tony Micale whether it's trying to keep a young or experienced player quiet, or just going out with an attacking mindset.

"He's obviously on an AFL list, but he's coming off an injury," he said.

"I'm not really fazed whether I play on Chris Masten or whoever really, even a young guy like Coniglio from Swans or experienced player like Salecic from West Perth. Whatever player I get I just try and do my part for the team, and do the best job I can."